Mushrooms in a Forest

Simone Fattal’s work takes inspiration from ancient civilisations, literature, classic old texts, poetry, historical mythological sources from ancient Egyptian mythology to Greco-roman folklore to Sufi mysticism, as well as the politics of archaeology and excavation. In her work, Fattal tells stories of humanity, culture, history, and how they connect to the present. Raised in Damascus and Beirut, the influence of literature, poetry, archaeology, and the landscapes of the region are central themes in her practice. Fattal’s work explores the contemporary human condition, including her own experiences of war and migration.
The medium of clay and the textures that are visible through moulding the clay by hand also emphasise the relationship between the body and the material. Used throughout history it was the first material to be sculpted by humans: the creation of man from clay as mentioned in the Quran also highlights our fundamental connection to the earth.
In this installation, a group of seven ceramic mushrooms with highly glazed surfaces represent our fragile relationship to nature. It is a reflection on the fragility of existence, nature’s cycles and the resilience required to thrive in challenging environments. Mushrooms carry deep symbolism, representing both the mystical and the earthly, and act as a bridge between the spiritual and material world. Their life cycle represents rebirth and renewal as well as healing.